CBeebies Parenting

Friendships often shift when children arrive, from missed invites and new routines to the relief of finding people who are in the same boat as you. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at why these changes happen and how to handle them with confidence, offering relatable stories and practical ideas to keep connections strong.
TV personality and presenter Dani Dyer shares what helped her after becoming a mum at 24, from leaning on childhood friends to using baby groups as a pressure free place to talk with other parents. She also explains why time with non-parent mates helps her stay connected and feel like herself.
Journalist and author Claire Cohen explains the 'friendship gap' that opens when life stages no longer match and shares straightforward ways to stay close, including speaking up when you feel left out and giving each other flexibility while routines change.
For more ideas and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website.
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Finding time to read with your child is not always straightforward. Recent research suggests fewer families are reading aloud and some parents have said it doesn't feel enjoyable. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B explore why this happens and how a small, workable routine can make story time feel easy and fun again.
Camilla Reid, author of the Pip and Posy and the Peekaboo book series, explains how short, simple plots and interactive pages help young children stay engaged, and why a few minutes most days can be enough to build a lasting habit. Performance storyteller and author of Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past, Wendy Shearer, offers confidence‑building guidance on voice, pace and expression, and reassures parents that perfection is not required. If reading feels daunting or difficult, you can tell the story from the pictures, or make up your own version and still get the same benefits.
Whether the barrier is tiredness, time pressure or low confidence, this conversation offers reassurance, expert perspective and practical ideas to rebuild a joyful, sustainable story time. For more ideas and resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website.
Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808

67% of couples say their relationship satisfaction dropped in the years after having kids. Can it be repaired?
Psychosexual therapist Kate Moyle talks to Charlie about re-prioritising our relationships, navigating the invisible load and building intimacy back from the ground up.
Callers share their vulnerable stories of disconnection and hope for the future.

Parental anxiety can appear in countless forms, from restless nights and racing thoughts to the constant feeling that you need to be one step ahead. Katie Thistleton and Guvna B look at why these feelings surface for so many parents and how they might shift over time.
Former Traitors winner Leanne Quigley shares her experiences as a mum of twins, reflecting on the uncertainty of IVF, the shock of premature labour at 26 weeks and the intensity of raising two lively children after such a difficult start. Psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo offers clear, practical guidance on what can sit beneath these emotional responses, how the mind interprets everyday challenges and what simple techniques can help parents steady themselves when things begin to feel overwhelming.
Whether your moments of doubt come from disrupted sleep, big transitions, growing independence or the mental load of keeping family life moving, this conversation offers reassurance, expert perspective and useful ideas to help you feel more confident and supported in your parenting.
For more information, wellbeing advice and parenting resources, visit the CBeebies Parenting website.
Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 022 4808

Tom Piccirilli gives straight-talking support for new dads. How can you support your partner, bond with your baby and become a new and confident you?
Callers share honest stories and get practical tips to help them show up and thrive as dads. Plus, Tom opens up about his experience of baby loss and grief.
If you're affected by issues raised in this programme, BBC Action Line have details for organisations that may be able to help - https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/